Be alert , my soul,
and direct your thoughts
to praise the good things
that God has done for me,
for throughout the whole day
from so much vexation,
sorrow, disgrace and harm
he has faithfully guarded me in his mercy

Let praise and thanks be sung to you,
Father of compassion,
that my work has succeeded,
that from all wrong
and sin in different forms
you have so faithfully protected me,
as well as driving my enemies away
so that I remain unharmed.

This day is now passed
and gloomy night comes on;
the sunís splendour has gone,
that delights us all.
Stand by me, o Father,
so that your radiance may be always with me,
surrounding and protecting me,
even though I sit in darkness.

Lord, in your mercy forgive
all the sins and wrongdoing
that burden my poor heart
and have poisoned me.
Help me, for Satanís game
would plunge me down to Hell.
You alone can rescue me,
free me from the chains of sin.

If I have ever abandoned you,
now I come back again.
Your Son has made a settlement for us
through his suffering and pain of death.
I do not deny my guilt,
but your mercy and grace
are far greater than the sins
that I find constantly in myself.

O you light of pious souls,
O you splendour of eternity
I want to be wholly at your command
this night and at all times.
Stay with me then, my God,
since now the darkness is deep.
So that I may never distress myself
comfort me with your love.

Let me experience this night
a sweet and gentle rest;
make all evil vanish,
cover me with your blessing.
Body and soul, spirit and blood,
wife and children, goods and chattels,
friends, enemies and tenants of this house
are all united in your protection.

Ah guard me from terror,
protect me from attack,
let me not be roused by illness,
drive away the sound of war,
turn aside fire and drought,
plague and sudden death,
let me not die in my sins
and be ruined in body and soul.

O you great God, hear
what your child has prayed;
Jesus, whom in my heart I honour,
remain my guard and counsellor;
and my stronghold, you beloved Spirit,
who are called friend and comforter,
hear now my longing entreaty.
Amen. Let this be so.